Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges

StudySelect branding logo with stylized graduation cap

Select Industry

Courses by Study Type

Providers

Career Advice

​
career-vectorHow to become a Interviewer – career guide for Australia

How to Become an Interviewer in Australia: careers in Human Resources

Symbolic icon for Interviewer profession
Sorry, we don't have any courses leading to a career as a Interviewer for you at the moment. Please try searching again.

Definition of an Interviewer

The role of an Interviewer is both dynamic and rewarding, offering individuals the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of people while gathering valuable insights. Interviewers are primarily responsible for conducting surveys and interviews, collecting data on various topics that can influence market research, public opinion, and social studies. This career is ideal for those who enjoy interacting with others and have a keen interest in understanding different perspectives and experiences.

In their day-to-day activities, Interviewers reach out to participants through various methods, including face-to-face interactions and telephone calls. They meticulously record responses, ensuring that the data collected is accurate and comprehensive. This role often involves working with questionnaires, where Interviewers may also assist in distributing and collecting these forms. Their attention to detail is crucial, as they must verify that all relevant questions have been answered, contributing to the integrity of the research process.

Moreover, Interviewers play a vital role in the analysis phase of research. They may encode responses and check for consistency, which helps in drawing meaningful conclusions from the data gathered. This aspect of the job not only enhances their analytical skills but also provides a deeper understanding of the research topics at hand. The collaborative nature of the role often leads to a supportive work environment, where Interviewers can share insights and strategies with colleagues, fostering professional growth and development.

Overall, a career as an Interviewer is an excellent choice for those who thrive in social settings and are passionate about contributing to research that can shape policies and business strategies. With the potential for flexible working hours and the chance to meet a variety of individuals, this profession offers a fulfilling pathway for personal and professional advancement.

On this Page

What Will I Do

What Skills Do I Need

Career Snapshot

Resources

What does an Interviewer do?

The role of an Interviewer is pivotal in gathering valuable insights through direct interaction with individuals. They conduct surveys and market research, ensuring that the data collected is accurate and representative of the target population. This profession requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to engage with diverse groups of people. Interviewers play a crucial role in shaping research outcomes that inform decision-making across various sectors.

  • Contacting participants – Engaging with individuals face-to-face or via telephone to conduct surveys.
  • Recording responses – Accurately documenting answers to survey questions both manually and electronically.
  • Distributing questionnaires – Managing the distribution of survey materials to participants.
  • Collecting completed surveys – Gathering completed questionnaires and returning them to supervisors for analysis.
  • Scanning for completeness – Reviewing questionnaires to ensure all critical questions have been answered.
  • Conducting random interviews – Approaching individuals in public spaces to gather spontaneous feedback.
  • Providing self-completion options – Offering participants the opportunity to fill out questionnaires independently.
  • Encoding responses – Inputting survey data into systems and checking for consistency in responses.
  • Working in call centres – Conducting surveys over the phone in a structured call centre environment.

What skills do I need to be an Interviewer?

A career as an interviewer requires a unique blend of skills that facilitate effective communication and data collection. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as interviewers must engage with a diverse range of individuals, often in various settings, to elicit honest and comprehensive responses. Active listening is equally important, enabling interviewers to understand and interpret answers accurately, while also allowing them to ask relevant follow-up questions that can deepen the conversation. Additionally, proficiency in both verbal and written communication is crucial, as interviewers often need to record responses meticulously, whether manually or electronically.

Moreover, adaptability and critical thinking are vital skills for interviewers, as they may encounter unexpected situations or responses during interviews. The ability to remain calm and composed, while adjusting their approach as needed, can significantly enhance the quality of the data collected. Familiarity with technology, particularly in data entry and survey software, is also beneficial, as many interviewers work with digital tools to streamline their processes. Overall, a successful interviewer combines these skills to create a comfortable environment for respondents, ensuring that the information gathered is both accurate and insightful.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong communication skills
  • Active listening abilities
  • Empathy and interpersonal skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisational skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Proficiency in data entry and record-keeping
  • Adaptability to different environments and situations
  • Basic understanding of survey methodologies
  • Time management skills
  • Ability to handle rejection and maintain a positive attitude
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Familiarity with technology and software for data collection
  • Ability to engage with diverse populations

Does this sound like you?

Career Snapshot for an Interviewer

Survey Interviewers play a crucial role in gathering data for market research and surveys by interviewing individuals and recording their responses. This occupation is characterised by a significant female representation and a predominance of part-time work.

  • Average Age: 42 years
  • Gender Distribution: 66% female
  • Hours Worked: Average of 41 hours per week, with 21% working full-time
  • Employment: Approximately 2,200 individuals are employed as Survey Interviewers
  • Projected Growth: An annual decline of 300 positions is anticipated
  • Unemployment Rate: Specific unemployment rates for this role are not detailed, but the overall job market context suggests stability in other sectors

This data highlights the evolving landscape of survey interviewing, where flexibility and adaptability are essential for success in this field. The information is sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Labour Force Survey and other relevant reports.

Human Resources Career resources

NATIONAL

QLD

VIC

WA

SA

NT

ACT

TAS

StudySelect makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!